Smart technology is becoming more prevalent by the day. It’s more than the apps on your phone, as technology has now infiltrated our homes and offices too. Airbus recognises the shift towards these conveniences in our everyday lives and answers to the growing demand in its inflight services. During Airbus Innovation Days in Toulouse, Airbus gave us all a little preview of what air travel will be like in 2030.

The aircrafts will be equipped with load-sensitive overhead storage bins to indicate the available stow luggage capacity, eliminating the search for baggage stowage.

But the upgrade isn’t only for passengers, it’s for flight attendants too. To make their jobs easier, the aircraft seats will also self-report; meaning there will be fewer checks, up and down the isles, for passengers’ seatbelts to be fastened, tray tables stowed and seats in the upright position for takeoff and landing.

To ensure smoother operation of dining while in air, ‘smart’ galleys will provide airlines with relevant data to keep track of most preferred meals, foods and beverage items so that menus offer customers what they like best. And as an organisation always on the lookout for fresh ideas, Airbus will also keep their cabin software platform open to fliers who have interesting new suggestions.

“There will be more choices for passengers, more customised services, and new options” explains Ingo Wuggetzer, Vice President of Cabin Marketing at Airbus. “There are lots of opportunities and ideas that become possible once you have the data from the aircraft. There are a lot of creative people around to design apps; we just do the enabling and then it’s running.”

Though 11 years still seems a while away, we are already looking forward to these improvements for a smarter, smoother and safer way to travel in the air.